This chapter describes cultivation of vegetables using the no-tillage cultivation system developed in Brazil (SPDH+: Sistema de Plantio Direto de Hortaliças). Based on agroecological principles, this allows more sustainable cultivation of vegetables without reliance on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. The SPDH+ system is based on a holistic approach which combines vegetable cultivation with green soil cover, combining planted species with spontaneous plant growth. The chapter describes both underpinning principles and practical implementation with case studies.

Marco Zanella is currently a technical agent for higher education at the Agricultural Research and Rural Extension Company of Santa Catarina. He has worked as a rural extensionist since 2007. He has experience in the area of Agronomy, working on sustainable rural development and plant and soil management techniques.